Harrowing time for commuters on Thamarassery Ghat Road
Despite the newly implemented traffic management measures and stricter restrictions, the Thamarassery Ghat Road connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad continues to be a highly challenging route
Despite the newly implemented traffic management measures and stricter restrictions, the Thamarassery Ghat Road connecting Kozhikode and Wayanad continues to be a highly challenging route for commuters, especially during the monsoon season. Its narrow carriageway is witnessing severe congestion due to a marked rise in vehicle numbers. “I have missed classes because vehicles often get stuck for hours on the ghat road,” said Aadil Amar, a student. “A journey from Kozhikode to Kalpetta, which ordinarily takes two hours, now regularly stretches to upwards of three-and-a-half hours during peak hours,” said a conductor with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation.
While restrictions on the movement of heavy goods vehicles during daylight hours, imposed by the Kozhikode District Collector, are being broadly adhered to, vehicular volumes remain high, giving rise to recurring bottlenecks. Road-widening works on the ghat section have further aggravated the situation. The works, which began nearly two months ago, involve excavation and slope-stabilisation activities at several points along the route. Concerns have also been raised about the condition of the hill slopes near the sixth hairpin bend, where soil erosion and minor landslides have been reported.
“Even minor landslips can disrupt traffic and endanger travellers,” said P.S. Anandhu, a commuter. With the monsoon gaining strength, travellers fear that the risk of further landslips remains high, and that adequate protective measures have not been implemented. The congestion has also affected
emergency services. Ambulances struggle to move when traffic comes to a standstill. The Kuttiyadi Ghat Road serves as an alternative route during periods of heavy traffic on the Thamarassery Ghat Road, although its greater distance and road conditions limit its use for many travellers.
The BriefWire